Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society

💚🎁Átl'ḵa7tsem Howe Sound Biosphere Region’s Gift Guide for the Holiday Season: Upcycled or Handmade Gifts from Local Artisans. Nothing says “thoughtful” like a handmade gift crafted by local artisans. 🌿✨ This holiday season, support local talent and reduce waste by buying upcycled or handmade items: 🎨Upcycled Gifts: Find treasures made from repurposed materials, like jewelry made from reclaimed wood or home décor made from old furniture. 🧶Handmade Goods: Support local artisans by purchasing items such as hand-thrown pottery, knitted scarves, or handmade candles. Buying local and handmade not only supports the economy but also ensures your gifts are one-of-a-kind and eco-friendly! Check out our Gift Guide for shops throughout the Biosphere Region. https://buff.ly/3VH2Mgs ♻️🎁 #SupportLocal #HandmadeGifts #SustainableGiftGiving #Howe Sound #BiosphereRegion

💚🎁Átl'ḵa7tsem Howe Sound Biosphere Region’s Gift Guide for the Holiday Season: Book Recommendations for wildlife watching, children's books, Indigenous plants and more.📖🌏 Looking for a meaningful gift to inspire action for the planet? 📚 Here are a few book recommendations that dive into biodiversity, sustainability, and eco-friendly practices—perfect for anyone who loves nature and wants to make a difference: 🦉"Wildlife Weekends in Southern British Columbia" by Roy Jantzen – Day and multi-day trips from Vancouver for wildlife viewing. 🏔️"I Hear You, Mounains" by Kallie George – This joyful book about nature sounds for kids 3-7 will transport readers up a magnificent mountain. 🌿"Held by the Land: a Guide to Indigenous Plants for Wellness" by Leigh Joseph – A beautifully illustrated essential introduction to Indigenous plant knowledge. These books make great gifts for readers looking to connect with nature and learn how to make more sustainable choices in their lives. There are even more book recommendations on our gift guide! Go check it out. https://lnkd.in/gaHQsgVZ Original Image: Image of a seal on a rock by Canadian Coastal Sailing. A red Santa hat has been edited onto the Seal's head. #EcoReads #SustainableLiving #GiftGuide #WildlifeBooks #Howe Sound #BiosphereRegion

💚🎁Átl'ḵa7tsem Howe Sound Biosphere Region’s Gift Guide for the Holiday Season: Shop Eco-Friendly Products! 🧼🌿 This holiday season, why not gift items that support both the planet and your loved ones? 🌍🎁 From sustainable skincare to reusable containers, there are endless ways to make eco-conscious choices. Consider gifts like: 💄Eco-Friendly Skincare: Choose natural skincare products that are sustainably sourced or come in recyclable/compostable packaging. Local brands such as Sḵwálwen Botanicals sustainably hand-harvest their ingredients. ♻️Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Buy reusable items liked stainless steel food containers or products made with recycled plastics. Ocean Legacy has transformed plastics collected from our ocean into new products such as ornaments, composting bins, and plastic pellets that are turned into 'lumber', tools, and packaging. 🧼Refill Stores: Skip the packaging and shop at refill stations for household cleaners, soaps, and shampoos. Find a Refillerie by you on the Zero Waste BC site. By choosing products that are both practical and sustainable, you give a longer-lasting gift that will help reduce waste. Every action adds up, so find links for the items above at https://buff.ly/3VH2Mgs 🌱♻️ Original Image: Mink amongst drift wood in the winter time by Brian Aikens. A Blue Santa has been edited onto the Mink's head. #SustainableGifts #EcoFriendly #GiftGuide #Howe Sound #BiosphereRegion

🌿 On November 15, the Howe Sound Conservation Network gathered at Capilano University's Squamish Campus for another successful collaboration in biodiversity conservation. The event shared global, provincial, and local updates on conservation efforts, insights from COP16, and inspiring presentations by local organizations. We discussed the importance of education, communication, and youth engagement in shaping a sustainable future. Together, we’re making strides in protecting the Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region 🌎✨. 📖 Learn more about the event and its takeaways on our website: https://buff.ly/3VHr9u6 #HoweSound #BiosphereRegion #UNESCO #Conservation #Collarboration #CapilanoUniversity #CapUSquamish #CapU

📣 Good News Stories in Átl'ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound: Marine life sightings, good work, and continuing projects 🐟 Marine Stewardship Initiative released their 2024 Searching for Slhawt' / Herring Spawn Survey Program Report. They share many big wins for their team and this program in the report. 🌊 Thanks to funding from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Marine Life Sanctuary Society has been able to purchase their own research vessel! It is still undergoing repairs, but should be out on the sea in Spring 2025. (Image from a recent monitoring trip) 👀Ocean Legacy celebrated 10 years and brought together supporters from the lower mainland to take a look back on all the good work done. We look forward to reading about the event and their anniversary when it's released. Find links to read more about these stories here. https://buff.ly/3XnGxxb #HoweSound #BiosphereRegion #UNESCO #MarineLifeSanctuarySociety #MarineStewardshipInitiative #OceanLegacy #LegacyPlastic #Marine

🦅✨ Witness the Majesty of Sp’áḵw’us, also known as the Bald Eagle! ✨🦅 Winter in Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound brings one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles: the bald eagle gathering along the rivers and salmon spawning channels around Squamish. These magnificent raptors, drawn by annual salmon runs, put on an incredible display of strength, grace and patience. 📍 Where to Watch: Eagle Run Dyke is a favourite spot for eagle enthusiasts! Bring your binoculars and watch as they soar above the river, perch majestically in trees, and hunt for their next meal. Look for trees with several eagles perched together? 👣 Tips for Visiting: - Dress warmly and respect wildlife by keeping your distance. - Bring a camera to capture the magic, but don’t forget to simply enjoy the view! - Pair your visit with a walk along the Dyke to take in the breathtaking mountain and river scenery. This winter tradition isn’t just a visual feast—it’s a reminder of the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the importance of preserving habitats for iconic species like the bald eagle. 📸 Share your eagle sightings and tag us! Let’s celebrate the beauty of Átl'ḵa7tsem together. #HoweSound BiosphereRegion #BaldEagles #SquamishRiver #WildlifeWatching #NatureinWinter

🌿 Reflecting on Progress & Planning for the Future! 🌄 The November 2 Howe Sound Biosphere Region Roundtable at Capilano University's Squamish campus brought together dedicated participants from across Átl'ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound to discuss updates, progress, and measurable outcomes for our Nchu'ú7mut/Unity Plan. Highlights included: ✨ A campus tour by Associate VP Bran Storey. ✨ Updates on key initiatives, including the Squamish Nation’s Climate Legacy Strategy. ✨ Insightful discussions on measuring progress, with a focus on balancing stories with data. Together, we're shaping the future of our UNESCO Biosphere designation through action and accountability. #HoweSound #BiosphereRegion #UnityPlan #SustainabilityInAction #UNESCO

🌊🌿 Discover Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound! 🐟🐻🛶 Did you know that Átl'ḵa7tsem is home to a treasure trove of data and maps showcasing its incredible marine and terrestrial ecosystems? Join us and the Marine Stewardship Initiative for a webinar where we'll introduce you to: 🔍 The Marine Reference Guide – a dynamic tool mapping Átl'ḵa7tsem's marine ecology, geography, and human uses. 🔍 The Terrestrial Atlas – your guide to understanding the region’s rich land-based ecosystems. 📅 When: Thursday, Dec. 12th, 1–2 PM 📍 Where: Online via Zoom 🌟 Don’t miss this chance to dive into the fascinating story of Átl'ḵa7tsem! 👉 Click to Sign Up https://buff.ly/35hNG6d #HoweSound #BiosphereRegion #MarineReferenceGuide #MarineStewardshipInitiative #TerrestrialAtlas #Webinar

🐻 Wildlife Wednesday: Bears and Winter Prep! 🐻 As bears prepare to hibernate, they’re on the lookout for last-minute meals to bulk up for the winter. Bears go through a process called hyperphagia where they are laser focused on eating as much as they can to put on weight for winter. Though there are also some local bears that won't hibernate as they get into our food through winter—this is not how it should be. Help keep our bear neighbours safe by locking up garbage cans and securing food scraps. A little effort goes a long way in reducing bear attractants around your home! When we work together, we’re helping bears settle in for a safe hibernation season without wandering too close to human habitats. #WildlifeWednesday #HoweSound #BiosphereRegion #BearSafety #Bears

🌿 It's Giving Tuesday! Make a difference right here in Átl'ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound! 🌊 Donating to the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society directly supports community-driven projects that protect our unique ecosystems, celebrate cultural heritage, and advance sustainability initiatives. From marine conservation to climate action, every dollar counts toward creating a thriving biosphere for all. 🌟 Give back to the place we call home. Donate today: https://buff.ly/4ePwLti #HoweSound #BiosphereRegion #GivingTuesday #Stewardship #LocalImpact #Sustainability #Biodiversity